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Career as EDITOR

DESCRIPTION of EDITOR:

Editing is the process of selecting and preparing written, visual, audible and film media used to convey information. The editing process can involve correction, condensation, organization, and many other modifications performed with an intention of producing a correct, consistent, accurate and complete work.
The editing process often begins with the author's idea for the work itself, continuing as a collaboration between the author and the editor as the work is created. As such, editing can involve creative skills, human relations and a precise set of methods.
The top editor at many publications may be known as the chief editor, executive editor, or simply the editor. A frequent and highly regarded contributor to a magazine may acquire the title of editor-at-large or contributing editor. Mid-level newspaper editors often manage or help to manage sections, such as business, sports and features. In U.S. newspapers, the level below the top editor is usually the managing editor.
Editors ensure the written quality of print and online publications. Their duties might include reading manuscripts, making sure that a writer's formatting fits house style guidelines, correcting grammatical or factual errors and making suggestions for improvement. They may also be responsible for selecting articles or manuscripts for publication, assisting with design layout and overseeing other aspects of publication.
Editors typically work closely with authors throughout the editing and publishing process. Although editors' jobs can be very rewarding, with seeing their work come to final publication, there are many stressors involved, too. Hours can be very long, including nights and weekends, especially when a deadline hovers. Additionally, those working as freelance editors must continually pursue more work and may need to adjust to new job environments on a regular basis.

1) Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.
2) Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
3) Allocate print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles.
4) Plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.
5) Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
6) Review and approve proofs submitted by composing room prior to publication production.
7) Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.
8) Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.
9) Confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories.
10) Assign topics, events and stories to individual writers or reporters for coverage.
11) Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.
12) Monitor news-gathering operations to ensure utilization of all news sources, such as press releases, telephone contacts, radio, television, wire services, and other reporters.
13) Meet frequently with artists, typesetters, layout personnel, marketing directors, and production managers to discuss projects and resolve problems.
14) Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.
15) Make manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations to the publisher.
16) Select local, state, national, and international news items received from wire services, based on assessment of items' significance and interest value.
17) Interview and hire writers and reporters or negotiate contracts, royalties, and payments for authors or freelancers.
18) Direct the policies and departments of newspapers, magazines and other publishing establishments.
19) Arrange for copyright permissions.
20) Read material to determine index items and arrange them alphabetically or topically, indicating page or chapter location.

Employment Opportunities for EDITOR:

Editorial assistant: This might be the first editing job that you get in the field of editing. An editorial assistant does what other editors won’t or don’t have time to do and supports the editorial staff. The work includes editing copy, proofreading, checking for accuracy, researching, and liaising with others. The actual amount of editing will vary according to the industry and employer, but this type of position eventually leads to bigger and better editing jobs.
Copy editor: This editing job involves checking text for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, ensuring smooth syntax, and applying style. Copyediting is rules-based and very mechanical. Copy editors are employed by organizations such as newspapers, magazines, publishing companies, public relations firms, and advertising agencies.
publishing companies, public relations firms, and advertising agencies.
Managing editor: A managing editor is a senior member of an editorial team who is in charge of day-to-day operations. This editing job consists of many responsibilities, ranging from making daily decisions that affect the entire editorial team, such as scheduling, adjusting deadlines, and enforcing editorial policies and procedures, to editing content.
Editor-in-chief (or executive editor): This is the top editing job. The role of an editor-in-chief is all-encompassing and includes such responsibilities as setting editorial tone, direction, and policies; strategic planning; budgeting; and representing the employing organization in the public realm. An editor-in-chief is ultimately responsible for the final product put out by the employing organization.
Senior editor: Managing teams of editors is the main task associated with this editing job. A senior editor oversees content creation, ensures that style rules are followed and quality standards are met, sets deadlines, ensures editing is completed in a timely and effective manner, edits, and is responsible for ensuring overall consistency and accuracy.
Technical editor: A technical editor has very specific knowledge and edits very specific documents of a more complex nature, such as clinical protocols and manuals. This editing job necessitates collaborating with researchers and subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.
These are just some of the editing jobs that are available. There are also editing jobs—such as video editor, film editor, photo editor, and sound editor—that require more specific skills. So, if you are interested in becoming an editor, do a bit of research to find out exactly what it takes!

How to become EDITOR?

There isn’t a degree or education requirement to being an editor, but with little predicted job growth you increase your chances with at least a bachelor’s degree. English, journalism or communications are all appropriate choices, but any liberal arts degree is a good choice, especially with a concentration in writing. While in college, find other opportunities that will give you newspaper experience, such as working for the college newspaper or an internship.

Education Requirements
Students interested in a career as a newspaper editor usually need, at minimum, an associate's degree. While a 2-year degree from a community college can be enough for entry into the newspaper editing field, some employers will only hire graduates with a liberal arts degree from a 4-year college or university. Liberal arts degree programs generally require courses in journalism, creative writing, political science, mass media and history.

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